Basement in Hammersmith & Fulham: Planning Permission Guide
What you need to know about basement extensions in Hammersmith & Fulham — planning requirements, costs, and professional guidance.
Based on 20 decided applications in Hammersmith & Fulham over 12 months (19 granted, 1 refused).
Hammersmith and Fulham has dense Victorian and Edwardian housing with numerous conservation areas including Barons Court, Old Oak and Wormholt, Fulham Palace, and Hurlingham. Article 4 Directions are widespread, restricting window and front-door alterations across many terraces. Listed buildings are concentrated around Hammersmith Bridge and the Fulham Palace heritage area. Flood zones apply along the Thames frontage.
Recent basement decisions in Hammersmith & Fulham
The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.
Replacement of all existing single glazed timber framed windows with new double glazed timber framed windows; replacement of existing sin…
Excavation of the front and rear garden, and underneath the footprint of the existing building in connection with the enlargement of the …
External alterations to include: Repair and redecoration of windows and doors, vegetation removal, re-lamp & cleaning to roof lanterns, m…
Replacement of existing single glazed timber framed sash windows to the front elevation with double glazed timber framed sash windows and…
Proposed use of part of the basement for ancillary bar/servery/reception/breakfast area in connection with existing C1 use at St Christop…
These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.
Check your address freePermitted Development Rules
Basement excavation requires a full planning application.
Basement excavation does not have permitted development rights under Part 1 of the GPDO. A full planning application is always required.
Typical Costs in London
Basements are among the most expensive home improvement projects. Costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, and access.
Cost per m²
construction rate
Typical total
Based on 25–50 m²
Typically includes
Typically excludes
Basement projects are complex and costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, waterproofing, and access. Professional advice is essential.
Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual basement dimensions.
Get my estimateWhich Professionals Do You Need?
Basement projects are complex and always require specialist professional input — an architect, structural engineer, and usually a party wall surveyor.
You'll need an architect, a structural engineer, and a party wall surveyor for this project.
Basement projects are complex and require specialist architectural and structural design.
Typical fee: £5,000–£15,000 (Full architectural service)
Basement excavation requires detailed structural engineering for underpinning, retaining walls, and waterproofing.
Typical fee: £2,000–£5,000
Basement excavation almost always triggers the Party Wall Act due to work near neighbouring foundations.
Typical fee: £700–£1,500 (per neighbour)
This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.
Find out exactly which professionals you need for your basement.
Get personalised guidanceConservation Areas & Listed Buildings
In conservation areas, basement applications receive additional scrutiny. The council will consider the impact on neighbouring properties and the character of the area.
Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.
Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.
Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.
Check my propertyFrequently Asked Questions
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